By peterside Rejoice
Amid renewed violence in Benue State that has left over 200 dead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of special forces to restore peace and end the spate of killings ravaging local communities.
The joint security team comprising military personnel, police, and intelligence units arrived in Benue on Sunday following a fresh presidential directive to security chiefs to immediately implement measures to halt the bloodshed.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep concern over the attacks, describing the killings as “depressing” and “unacceptable.”
“We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” Tinubu said.
He urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate inclusive reconciliation among aggrieved communities and to lead efforts in restoring peace across the troubled state.
The crisis escalated after coordinated attacks in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists opened fire on internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in market stalls and makeshift camps.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers struck from two flanks, overwhelming community youth and local police before massacring civilians including children and women. Farms were torched, and victims were allegedly burned alive.
The assaults followed earlier killings in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi Local Government, bringing the death toll to over 200 within 72 hours.
Aggrieved youths staged protests in Makurdi on Sunday, blocking major highways and calling for federal intervention. Protesters accused both the state and federal governments of neglecting the security of Benue citizens.
President Tinubu decried the persistent clashes between farming communities and herders, warning that no meaningful development can occur in an environment beset by bloodshed. He also cautioned political and community leaders against incendiary comments and urged responsible leadership to prevent further escalations.
“They should rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks,” he added.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, promising that perpetrators would be held accountable.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, confirmed the arrival of federal tactical teams in Benue. He disclosed that more deployments were underway for vulnerable regions, alongside ongoing community dialogues and intelligence-sharing efforts.
“The state’s joint operations units are being strengthened,” Alia said. “We assure citizens that the government will not relent in defending lives and properties.”
He appealed to traditional, political, and religious leaders to discourage unlawful gatherings and support peace initiatives.
During Sunday’s protest in Makurdi under the hashtag #StopBenueKillings, police operatives fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Protesters dressed in black carried fresh leaves and demanded urgent action to end the violence.
Videos circulating online showed police helicopters hovering above, and multiple security vehicles stationed at protest points.
Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Deputy Governor Sam Ode addressed the crowd, urging them to allow security agencies room to operate. VDM was seen helping security operatives clear road barricades.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for Benue’s victims during his Sunday Angelus, describing the Christian rural communities in the state as “unceasing victims of violence.”
Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined in condemning the attacks. CAN demanded a total clampdown on the killer gangs, while Atiku called for a thorough investigation, justice for victims, and compensation for affected families.
“This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” Atiku stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam urged collaborative rather than confrontational responses to the crisis, calling for a long-term strategy to resolve the deepening insecurity.
Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that the Inspector General of Police had taken over operations in the state. He said tactical teams were deployed to Yelewata and other hotspots, stressing that security forces were already blocking suspected attackers.
“We are here to protect lives and property. We have intelligence of their movement, and we are blocking them,” Ifeanyi said
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